Ferdinand. Never, my lord!
But my eyes do not see it now more clearly
Than in my dream I saw that very chasm.

[Osorio stands in a deep study—then, after a pause.

Osorio. There is no reason why it should be so.
And yet it is.

Ferdinand. What is, my lord?

Osorio. Unpleasant [65]
To kill a man!

Ferdinand. Except in self-defence.

[[567]]Osorio. Why that's my case: and yet 'tis still unpleasant.
At least I find it so! But you, perhaps,
Have stronger nerves?

Ferdinand. Something doth trouble you.
How can I serve you? By the life you gave me, 70
By all that makes that life of value to me,
My wife, my babes, my honour, I swear to you,
Name it, and I will toil to do the thing,
If it be innocent! But this, my lord!
Is not a place where you could perpetrate, [75]
No, nor propose a wicked thing. The darkness
(When ten yards off, we know, 'tis chearful moonlight)
Collects the guilt and crowds it round the heart.
It must be innocent.

Osorio. Thyself be judge. [Osorio walks round the cavern—then looking round it.
One of our family knew this place well. [80]

Ferdinand. Who? when? my lord.